Life-Transforming

Sol Education abroad is a unique program because it offers complete Spanish language immersion and cultural immersion. When I arrived at my host family's home, I had to speak Spanish to communicate with them and my classes were in the Spanish language as well. One of my main goals was to become fluent in Spanish and I can proudly say that I have reached that goal! The staff was very helpful throughout the whole process and even went out of their way to inform us of local events going on and volunteer opportunities as well. They were very easy to get a hold of with any questions and when I needed to visit the doctor they helped me through that whole process. The program offers a variety of cultural events that are included in the program and the classes are wonderful and small, so they are very student-focused. There are also opportunities to take classes with locals. I took a French class my second semester with locals and it was a very rewarding experience. I found that the location was perfect, being a small city full of some of the richest culture in all of Mexico. The people of Oaxaca are some of the sweetest people you will meet and it is very easy to make friends with them. I met some of the best friends I have now during my 9 months in Oaxaca. I volunteered in tutoring in English and also in ministry and my days were full of adventure and getting to know more and more about the different people in Oaxaca. Oaxaca is rich in indigenous culture and I got to visit and serve in various villages during my time there and learn about their traditions and languages. I had the opportunity to travel to Queretaro, Mexico City, Acapulco, Puerto Escondido, and various other villages and locations within Oaxaca. Traveling in Oaxaca is very simple and considerably cheap. The food as well is cheap and easily accessible and absolutely delicious! Oaxaca is a very safe place, I never once felt endangered, even when I was traveling. Everything is within walking distance or a taxi ride if you want to go further away to visit other locations in Oaxaca. The host family was my Oaxacan family while I was there! They served me some of the most delicious traditional Oaxacan food and I had such a great time getting to know them and playing with their kids. The difficulties I encountered were culture shock during the first two weeks I was there and I got sick and had to visit the doctor a few times. When I was sick I was provided with everything that I needed and I recuperated quickly. Overall, this experience opened my eyes to so many possibilities and a new perspective on life. It reignited my passion to study foreign languages and cultures and completely transformed my future including my degree. I grew so much as a person, as a global citizen, as a woman, and professionally as well. I acquired skills that will be valuable in all of my future jobs and in future situations. In fact, I got a job right when I got back as a Spanish-speaking customer service representative at a company that sells phone services. The job was offered to me before I applied and there are a variety of other doors that have been opened to me through this experience. Sol Education abroad provided me with a life-transforming experience all within reach of a college student that completely supports them self at a cost that was actually cheaper than attending my home university! I have no complaints at all, it was everything I expected and a whole lot more! I definitely have been recommending Sol Education Abroad to all the college students I know and I will be a Student Ambassador this school year as well! I don't want anyone to miss out on the chance to study abroad with full Spanish immersion if they are wanting to do it, because with Sol there is nothing holding you back!